Archpriest Serhiy: Left occupation only to be arrested by my compatriots
Photo: Archpriest Serhiy in court
Archpriest Serhiy, during the court session, mentioned that it was a great surprise for him to be labeled as a traitor to Ukraine, his lawyer stated in court. He emphasized that he spent six months in occupation but always remained loyal to Ukraine. Despite the presence of Russian troops, he continuously prayed in the church for the return of the territories to Ukraine. According to the priest, evidence of this can be found on his Facebook page. When Father Sergiy arrived in Ukraine, the first thing he did was to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Among other things, the priest raised funds for military equipment and transport for the soldiers.
The archpriest also stated that the money seized by investigators was intended to be spent on the needs of the AFU. He said that the fact the money did not reach the front lines and that soldiers are not being evacuated from the yellow zone is precisely due to the investigators who seized the funds.
Additionally, Archpriest Serhiy expressed his bewilderment at facing a life sentence for inciting religious hatred, as he has always treated other religions with tolerance.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the court extended the detention of Father Serhiy Chertylin for two months.
Read also
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.
Expert: The demographic situation is a national catastrophe for Ukraine
Analyst Oleksii Kusch warns that the country's population is shrinking at a catastrophic rate, yet Ukrainians do not see it as a problem.
Looters rob and desecrate a UOC church in Myrnohrad, Donbas
The thieves stole bells and a chandelier after breaking down the church doors.
TRC abducts a priest of UOC's Ovruch Eparchy
Father Pavlo Kushnirchuk has not been in contact with his family.
Cherkasy mayor accuses UOC of stealing Kazan Icon, previously stolen by OCU
Anatoliy Bondarenko called on Metropolitan Theodosiy to return the Kazan Icon, which had previously been stolen by OCU activists during the seizure and looting of St. Michael's Cathedral.
Congresswoman: Zelensky persecutes the Church
Victoria Spartz criticized President Zelensky for persecuting the Church and media control.